If you're scouring the Web looking for Outback Bowl news, you've probably come across the Southern Speed Story. It's inevitable during bowl season. Here's the gist: Intersectional matchups between the Big Ten and the SEC can be reduced to size (Big Ten) vs. speed (SEC). Every year, the same thing. Unless Florida State is involved, then it's size vs. speed from the state of Florida. Twenty or thirty years ago, before kids left their home state to play college football, it was true. But recruiting is a global economy these days, with players criss-crossing the country for available scholarships. Plus, speed is abundant everywhere (seen Ted Ginn Jr. or Mario Manningham run lately?) But it's an easy story to write, because everyone has an opinion on the perception. Here's how it goes: Reporter asks Player A, "So, everyone's talking about Southern Team's speed advantage? What do you think?" Who's everyone? The reporter asking the question, of course. Do this a few times, get a few quotes ("The secret is gonna get out that we're faster than people think," Penn State wide receiver Deon Butler said) and patch together a story. If you're good, it's done by happy hour.Of course, speed will be a factor in Monday's Outback Bowl between Penn State and Tennessee. But it's not just receivers running streaks. For instance: Will Tennessee's tackles be able to handle a smaller, quicker defensive end like Penn State's Tim Shaw? Or will Penn State back Tony Hunt be able to turn a corner on Tennessee's quicker outside linebackers? Whether Tennessee's 40 times are better than Penn State's won't make a bit of difference. As Butler said, "We're not worried about getting into a track meet with your team." But they can't avoid answering a bunch of questions about it.